State Government approves Adani’s Black-throated finch management plan

The State Government has handed mining giant Adani a decision on its black-throated finch management plan

ADANI’S Carmichael mine is one step closer to reality after the State Government approved its black-throated finch management plan.

The milestone on Friday is one of two approvals the mining giant needs before it can begin construction.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk last week announced she had given her own government just weeks to come to a decision on outstanding approvals.

A spokesman for the Department of Environment and Science said assessment of the plan has been a “rigorous process informed by the best available science”.

The Department on May 2 rejected Adani’s existing management plan and asked it to come back with additional commitments.

These commitments included;

• Establish enhanced understanding of the black-throated finch in the project area, including undertaking appropriate population studies,
• Establish appropriate monitoring protocols that will allow for an analysis of the black-throated finch population in the project area over time, and
• Manage the Ten Mile Bore area and surrounds in a manner that protects the black-throated finch, including a commitment to a low-grazing regime in that area.

“DES is also satisfied that Adani will engage appropriately qualified ecologists to undertake the company’s survey and monitoring work in relation to the black-throated finch,” the spokesman said.

Lucas Dow CEO of the Adani mine. Picture: Annette Dew

Adani Mining chief executive Lucas Dow said the company had added more detail to the black-throated finch management plan following recent scientific advice from the Department.

“We are encouraged that the Queensland Government has met the recently-announced time frame to finalise the plan. This brings our project a step closer to construction and to delivering much-needed jobs for regional Queenslanders,” he said.

“The Black-Throated Finch Management Plan has been the subject of a rigorous approvals process over the past two years that has involved experts from both the Queensland and Australian Governments.

“The Plan was developed by ecological experts and is backed by the best available science to ensure the finch is protected and that the species can coexist with mining operations.

“We are pleased that as part of this plan, 33,000 hectares of dedicated conservation land surrounding the mine site will be set aside and expertly managed to ensure an optimal habitat for the finch and other local native species.

“Following recent scientific advice from the Queensland Department of Environment and Science we have added more detail to the Black-throated Finch Management Plan on items such as cattle grazing intensity, habitat and population management and also delivered updates to our ongoing research plan.”

Originally published as State Government approves Adani’s Black-throated finch management plan